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Intervention Models: A Comparative Approach - Renewal Forum
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Intervention Models: A Comparative Approach

On October 22, 2013, by Hannah Kim

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This article will introduce three intervention models for commercial sexually exploited youth. Each model simultaneously addresses the complex needs of the youth while remaining flexible enough to accommodate the children’s ability to engage. While each model stresses different approaches, it is possible to integrate these models through a collaborative approach.

First, the Stages of Change Model, originally designed to help physicians aid clients struggling with addictions is now being used to address “problem behaviors” more generally. Instead of focusing on the “failures” of the client/victim the focus shifts to the victim’s readiness to make change while helping them anticipate relapse. The model lays out five stages: (1) Precontemplation: Victim is not interested in changing their harmful behavior. (2) Contemplation: Victim begins to assess barriers to change and the benefits of changing one’s behavior. (3) Preparation: Victim begins to make small changes (4) Action: Victim begins to take precise remedial steps. (5) Maintenance and Relapse Prevention: Incorporates new behavior into daily life. This illustrative division proves to be a useful tool in addressing commercial sexually exploited victims because it incorporates the stages of exploitation unique to victims of CSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children). Service providers need to direct individuals through these stages of change. This collaborative process is designed to strengthen motivation for change through engagement, empowerment, therapeutic relationship building, and determination of individual goals. Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), a survivor-led empowerment organization for exploited girls and young women adapted the SCM to address the behaviors associated with CSE with much success.

Second, the Harm Reduction Model, originally created to help individuals addicted to psychoactive drugs has been adapted for use for CSE.  Its distinguishing factor is its attempt to prevent harms associated with the behavior rather than the behavior itself. It acknowledges that the youth will continue to be harmed, that they may not want to or cannot escape harm, and that any positive change in behavior will prove advantageous. The intention is to provide care for the individual in his/her current stage of life no matter what that may be. It is sculpted around self-empowerment, building on the strategies of CSEC victims themselves, and valuing their culture and differences. In essence, the model aims to create self-determination for the individuals. The goal is empowerment through self-assertion. CSEC victims claim that this model is helpful in that it allows them to take care of one another and make safe choices.

Lastly, the Public Health Model addresses CSEC issues by studying the societal causes and then develops intervention strategies based on the discovered root causes. This model distinguishes itself from the law enforcement-centric approach by focusing on: evidenced-based research to develop law and policies; preventing harm; addressing behavior and societal views that perpetuate harm, and engaging players who can address the health issue. Basically, this model works on finding the root cause of the problem and tackle these issues by reshaping public views.

In conclusion, a wide variety of CSEC care models exist because there is no “one size fits all” solution. Therefore, each model offers an array of tools that can be applied more generally to each victim’s individual needs. A collaborative approach assures that an individual receives care from a service provider that is equipped with a wide variety of tool sets, which affords service providers flexibility. For a more thorough analysis of each model see Kate Walker, California Child Welfare Council, Ending The Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children: A call For Multisystem Collaboration in California (2013).

 

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